Life’s Lessons
Four years ago I published a volume called ，which started out as advice I wanted to pass on to my son as he went off to university. To my surprise， the book became a best seller， and readers were soon sending me their own wise sayings， humorous observations and practical advice. The following pearls of wisdom were collected from many people. Some of these lessons were not easily learnt. Many were the culmination of years of experience. Still others came as spontaneous revelations. But in each case the person has learnt that.
Taking a break in the middle of the job isn’t half as relaxing as taking a break after the job is finished.
It’s hard to lie when you are looking into your mother’s eyes.
You should never buy a white carpet if you have a black dog.
You should always put on a new swimsuit and get it wet before wearing it in public.
Students who pay their own way through university never drop out.
A minute of extra thinking beforehand can save hours of worry later.
Life is like a ten-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.
It gives me great pleasure to ask “what’s the best thing that happened to me today？ ’’ at the end of every day.
There are good neighbours wherever you live.
When you’re too busy for friends， you’re too busy.
Keep your words soft and tender because tomorrow you may have to eat them.
Opportunities are never lost； someone will take the one you miss.
Saying “hello” to somebody today can result in a new friend tomorrow.
If you are still talking about what you did yesterday， you haven’t done much today.
You shouldn’t leave your fork on your plate when you reheat food in the microwave.
我在4年前出版了一本《生活小指南》。最初，我只是想借此给刚上大学的儿子一些建议。没想到这本书竟成了畅销书，不久，读者便纷纷寄来他们的格言、趣闻以及实践中得到的经验教训。以下便是提炼百家之言所成的智慧精华，其中很多都是不易学到的。有一些是积累的生活经验；另外一些是发自肺腑的瞬间感悟。总之，每个人都能从中有所收获。